Changes this week will make world of difference to us and you

Nov. 10, 2012

Terry Eberle

Written by

My working world began with an electric typewriter. Today, I type on my phone. Its called tweeting and I have learned how much you can say in just 140 characters.

There has been a lot happening in my 41 years. The changes have been incredible, all very fast with different degrees of complexity but in every case they have helped us report the news better and get it to you faster.

Your world is busy and you want to find information on your schedule. You demand more  more information, more explanation, more reporting.

You expect us to follow the public figures and to watch how they spend your money. You also want good stories to read and to hear about the heroes and heroines in our community.

We listened and the changes coming this week will make a world of difference to us and to you.

We no longer will just be a printed newspaper that lands on your doorstep at 5 each morning. We will have breaking news 24/7 and will give it to you when, where and how you want it. We will give it to you in words, in photos, in interactive graphics, in video and through tweets and Facebook posts many of you follow each day.

We will give it to you in the newspaper, in magazines, on laptops, on an app on your mobile device and on your tablets.

We will be fresh, visual and factual. We will challenge you, inform you and entertain you. We are not straying from our foundation of breaking news and watchdog journalism. You depend on us for it and we have reorganized our newsroom around these foundations.

We have two full-time reporters devoted to investigative journalism. We have created a breaking news desk that incorporates editors, photographers, reporters and freelance journalists spread out across Southwest Florida. Today, I will focus on the specific content enhancements you will see each day of the week and next week I will outline some of the exciting changes we will be making through our digital platforms.

Starting this week, look for these new content offerings.

 On Monday, a new Causes section debuts devoted to helping you get involved in the community through charitable giving or through volunteering. Southwest Florida cares and people reach out to help the less fortunate among them. This section will help you get involved and recognize those who already are giving.

(Page 2 of 2)

 On Tuesday we are introducing Living Well, which replaces our Healthy Living section. One person described it as a fountain of youth. We may be growing a little older but we also are living life to the fullest and doing more than ever. It will be filled with exercise tips, nutrition and things going on around the area.

 On Wednesday we will continue to offer Taste. This section has been revamped and the reporting team has been expanded to three writers. Food is entertainment and personal. We will treat it that way, whether you are eating out, attending a wine fest or having friends over.

 On Thursday you will find Go Coastal. This will be packed with things you can do outside, on land or under the water. This section is aimed at the active adult that wants to live life and not just watch it go by. If you camp, hike, run, kayak, boat or fish, there should be something for you. Our new three-person Playing in Paradise team is out and about and finding things to do.

 On Friday we will continue to offer Gulf Coasting, our popular guide for things to do in Southwest Florida.

 On Saturday we will offer @Home, which builds on the success of Home and Garden. It will focus on fixing up your house and yard. It will offer helpful tips and have stories on how people fixed their homes.

 On Sunday we will continue Tropicalia with a new 7 days of play in paradise calendar.

 We also will be adding a revamped golf page that has just one goal: To shave one stroke off your handicap. It will have tips on playing holes, tips from a pro and analysis on new equipment from three people  low handicapper; mid-handicapper and a high handicapper.

The changing world is exciting. It offers so much opportunity and lets us do so much more for you. We are committed to covering Southwest Florida and to improving and listening every day. No one will work harder.